Millions of pets risk early death from unhealthy junk food diets

Taking the strain: PDSA nurse Steph Williams with Cookie from Middlesborough who is 90 per cent overweight. (Picture: PA)

More than 18million pets are at risk of dying early because of poor diets which often include takeaways, crisps and cakes.

Unprecedented numbers of dogs, cats and rabbits are fed ‘potentially life-threatening’ meals which can lead to arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, veterinary charity PDSA has found.

The ‘deadly diets’ – often fed to animals by overweight owners – have left pets unable to walk, play or even clean themselves, according to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing report.

‘Pet obesity poses not only major health risks such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease but sadly also means daily misery for millions of pets who are feeling the strain from carrying too much weight,’ said PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury.

‘And then there are other obesity-related health conditions which can mean pets don’t lead the long and happy lives they should.

‘It is very difficult to resist the pleading eyes but it’s what owners have to do really.

‘It isn’t really the pet that opens the tin of biscuits.’

Fat cat: Cookie with nurse Steph Williams as she struggles to lift the pet (Picture: PA)

While an estimated 18.5million pets are fed inappropriate diets, about 13.5million animals are ‘treated’ to fatty or sugary treats and junk food.

Dr Alex German, an animal obesity specialist at the University of Liverpool’s veterinary school, said pet obesity was ‘entirely preventable’ and could be reversed with ‘veterinary supervision and owner dedication’.

The PDSA has now launched its annual animal slimming competition to find Britain’s fattest pets and help them get fit. Owners can enter their pets here. Entries close on Friday April 12.

YouGov surveyed nearly 4,000 dog, cat and rabbit owners; 466 vets and vet nurses; and 553 children for the report this month.